Ethics law could ease for road projects

SPRINGFIELD -- Many lucrative road and bridge contracts would be excluded from the state's new "pay-to-play" ban under legislation the Senate sent Tuesday to impeached Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Senators begrudgingly voted 56-1 for the measure following a threat from the Bush administration that the new ethics law needed to be watered down or federal funding for Illinois would be in jeopardy.

The state's new ethics law prohibits businesses that have or seek state contracts worth more than $50,000 from donating to the campaign funds of statewide officeholders who assign the contracts.

Federal transportation officials told Illinois the law restricts who is eligible to bid for the business, potentially making projects cost more. State officials said the restriction could impact projects going to bid this month if an exception isn't carved out.

Sen. Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) maintained the change is "not optimal" because it removes some of the restrictions aimed at cracking down on state contracts. But he said the law can be looked at again if it creates a loophole or is abused.

Incoming Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) said she endorsed the proposal only because she didn't want the state to lose federal funding.

Sen. John Millner (R-Carol Stream) was the only senator to vote against the legislation, saying it would not be prudent while Blagojevich is still governor. "Right now, in good conscience, I couldn't vote for a bill that would provide additional opportunities for the governor to possibly raise money" by shaking down contractors for campaign contributions, Millner said.

In other action, the Senate voted without dissent to send the governor legislation clarifying how local governments can enforce the state's smoking ban. The measure also exempts veterans' homes and allows smoking research at universities.

The Senate also sent Blagojevich a bill to spend more than $68 million. The measure would provide money for rural health care, job training, coal development and funds for the secretary of state, attorney general and treasurer, all offices that under went cuts last summer.